Srinagar February 05 (KNS): The Kashmir region and parts of Jammu witnessed an unprecedented surge in temperatures during January 2024, marking it as the warmest January in recorded history.
Independent weather forecaster, Kashmir weather said the absence of customary snowfall and a lack of Western Disturbances contributed to temperatures soaring more than 8°C above normal levels on certain days throughout the month.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, reported its highest-ever mean maximum temperature for January, hitting 11.7°C. This tied with the records from 2001 and 1902, underscoring the severity of the unusual warmth.
Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara were not spared from the heat wave either, as they all witnessed their all-time highest temperatures. Gulmarg saw a mean maximum temperature of 5.4°C, Pahalgam at 10.3°C, Qazigund at 12.1°C, Kokernag at 10.9°C, and Kupwara at 11.6°C.
The Jammu region faced its own share of extraordinary weather conditions, with Banihal recording an unprecedented all-time highest mean maximum temperature of 16.4°C. Meanwhile, Bhaderwah and Batote experienced their second-highest mean maximum temperatures on record, with Bhaderwah reaching 14.7°C and Batote at 14.8°C.
These alarming temperature spikes have raised concerns about the long-term impact on the region's ecology, agriculture, and overall climate patterns. The unusual warmth challenges the region's resilience to climate change, urging authorities and communities to adopt sustainable practices.(KNS)